Graphing k(x) = log3 (x+9): Steps to Solve

  • Thread starter Thread starter Death
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graphing
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on graphing the function k(x) = log3(x + 9). The key steps involve understanding how transformations affect the graph of the logarithmic function. Specifically, adding 9 to x shifts the graph horizontally to the left by 9 units, resulting in an asymptote at x = -9. The graph passes through the point (-8, 0), maintaining the shape of the base logarithmic function y = log3(x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logarithmic functions, specifically log3(x)
  • Knowledge of horizontal and vertical transformations of functions
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques for basic functions
  • Ability to identify asymptotes in logarithmic graphs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithmic functions and their graphs
  • Learn about horizontal and vertical transformations in function graphing
  • Explore the concept of asymptotes in more detail
  • Practice graphing various logarithmic functions with different transformations
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching graphing techniques, and anyone interested in mastering the visualization of logarithmic functions.

Death
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I need some help please. I'm not that good at sketching graphs out.

Here's the problem. k(x) = log3 (x+9)
(the number three is the base)

What steps do I have to do in order to graph this problem? Thank you.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Didn't you just post a similar question about an exponential?

General rule: If you already know the graph of y= f(x) and have a new graph that involves changing x before applying f, that changes the graph horizontally. That is, adding or subtracting a number from x moves the graph. Multiplying or dividing x stretches or shrinks the graph. If you change the value AFTER applying f, that's a change in y and changes the graph vertically.

For example, you know, I presume, that the graph of y= x2 is a parabola with vertex at (0,0) passing through (1,1) and (-1,1). The graph of y= (x-2)2 is that exact same graph moved to the right 2 places (the vertex of the "base" graph, y= x2 is at x=0 and we have replaced x by x-2: x-2= 0 when x= 2).
The vertex of y= (x-2)2 has vertex at (2,0) and passes through (1+2,1)=(3,1) and (-1+2,1)= (1,1) but looks exactly like y= x2 otherwise.
The graph of y= x2-2 is also a parabola but it is moved DOWN 2 because, since we have already done the squaring before subtracting 2, that is a change in y: the vertex is at (0,-2) and the graph passes through (-1,1-2)= (-1,-1) and (1,1-2)= (1,-1).

The graph of y= log3(x) (the "base" function here), like any logarithm, is undefined for x<=0, is asymptotic to the y-axis, passes through (1,0) and increases to infinity as x goes to infinity.
Adding 9 to x "moves" the graph 9 places to the left. The asymptote y-axis is, of course, x=0. Replacing x by x+ 9 means the asymptote will be where x+9= 0 which is x= -9. Also, any logarithm graph passes through (1,0) because log(1)= 0. x+9= 1 when x= -8 so
log3(x+9) passes through (-8,0).
The graph of y= log3(x+9) is asymptotic to the line x= -9 and passes through (-8,0). In shape, it is exactly the same as
y= log3(x).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K